FOXBORO, Mass. — It took a few months, but everyone in the Patriots’ locker room will finally be of legal drinking age.

Rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez, who is the youngest player in the NFL, will celebrate his 21st birthday Saturday. He won’t get to take part in the typical 21st birthday experience, but he’s not complaining. The Patriots will hold a walkthrough Saturday before flying to Cleveland in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Browns.

“Hopefully it’s a good experience, and we come back with a win,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez, who had a cake with his mother last Friday when she drove to Foxboro, takes some pride in knowing he is the youngest player in the NFL. But more than just that, Hernandez is a solid contributor, which he said led to “a big part” of that pride. Hernandez leads the Patriots with 388 receiving yards, and he is second on the team with 29 receptions.

“Definitely, you don’t really think about that much, but when I heard that [I was the youngest player in the NFL], I thought that was an honor,” Hernandez said. “I’m just excited to be in the league, so just being in the league at any age is a dream come true, regardless.”